Ship channel restaurant closes, menu survives

Shanghai shutters

KATIE ELSBURY |
February 7, 2001

For 23 years, Shanghai Red's has served classic seafood fare amid the ebb and flow of massive freighters in the Houston Ship Channel.

So with the recent announcement that the landmark restaurant's parent company has closed the restaurant, loyal diners have been left to wonder where to go to satisfy cravings for signature dishes like beer cheese soup, crab stuffed mushrooms and Shanghai trout.

The menu will not be forgotten, however, as owners promise to continue the dishes at Shanghai Red's sister restaurant, Brady's Landing at 8505 Cypress St.

"We made the final decision Jan. 21 to incorporate Shanghai Red's into Brady's Landing," said Mike Xifaras, regional manager for Specialty Restaurant Corp. "We have already transferred the full Shanghai menu to Brady's Landing."

But the memories of the restaurant will continue.

"The closing of Shanghai Red's is heartbreaking to a lot of people," said Daniel Ruiz, general manager of the restaurant. "I began working here 17 years ago as a busboy and worked my way up to management. I have a fondness for the restaurant that will always be there, but what we are planning will only make the property better."

For many people, Shanghai Red's already was the best.

"It was in a different part of town where most people wouldn't expect a restaurant, so that made it interesting," said Carol Ward, secretary of the city of Pasadena. "The view was great with all the big ships passing by. A lot of times the ships were docked there and you could actually get to see how huge they are."

Ward said she had friends who drive from west Houston just for the food and the view.

"Sitting there on the Ship Channel with that ambiance was great. It was just kind of a special place to go," said Kirk Lewis, director of communications for the Pasadena Independent School District.

"It was very good food and a unique atmosphere," he said.

During the process of tearing down Shanghai Red's, a new extension of the Brady's Landing facility will be built to accommodate the restaurant's growing banquet and large party services.

"It is a wonderful location for a destination restaurant. The transformation is going to be a good thing that will allow us to make the most out of the property," Xifaras said.

"Our banquet business has really taken off. Our hope is that the restaurant will become the premier wedding and special event location in Houston."

While a decision has not been made on whether the name Shanghai Red's will be incorporated somehow into the restaurant's new title, Xifaras said both restaurants have strong name recognition.

Architects have begun designing the new addition to maximize the view of the ship channel. A date has not been set for its construction.

Construction is not expected to interfere with service at Brady's Landing.